Understanding Your NDIS Plan: What Happens After You’re Approved

Nov 23, 2025

You have gone through the forms, the interviews, the waiting — and then that long-awaited message finally hits your inbox:

Your NDIS plan has been approved.

It's a thrilling moment. But if your first thought after celebrating is, “Okay… what now?” you’re not alone.

Getting approved for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a significant milestone, but understanding what to do next can feel overwhelming. Your plan opens the door to a wide range of supports and opportunities, but to make the most of it, you need to know how it works, what's covered, and how to actually use it.

Let’s break it all down step by step so you can confidently move forward and start using your NDIS plan to live the life you choose.

Step 1: Take a Deep Breath and Celebrate

You've worked hard to get to this stage. Take a moment to acknowledge that this isn't a minor milestone. Whether it’s your first plan or your third, approval means the NDIS recognises your goals and is ready to support you in achieving them.

Now, the next part is understanding exactly what is inside that plan and how to make it work for you.

Step 2: Understanding What’s Inside Your NDIS Plan

Your NDIS plan isn’t just a document; it's a roadmap of how your supports and funding are structured.

Each plan is specific to you, but it generally includes three important parts:

1. About Me

This is your personal snapshot — your situation, background, interests, daily life, and priorities. This helps your NDIS service provider and other supports understand your unique needs.

2. Objectives

These are the goals you want to achieve — big or small. It might be improving communication, building independence, learning new skills, or finding work. Every part of your funding is designed to help you work toward these goals.

Tip: Write your goals where you can see them often — fridge, desk, planner.

3. Funded Supports

This outlines the funding you’ve received and which categories it belongs to.

Step 3: Get to Know the Three Funding Categories

Your NDIS funding is divided into three key budgets:

1. Core Supports

This includes your NDIS support for daily living — everyday essential tasks and participation. It may cover:

  • Personal care
  • Transport
  • Consumables
  • Community access

Example: Using funding for a support worker to accompany you to shopping or activities.

2. Capacity Building Supports

Supports that help you grow your skills and independence, such as:

  • Therapies
  • Skill-building programs
  • Employment support
  • NDIS support coordination

Example: Attending speech therapy to improve communication.

3. Capital Supports

This covers larger, one-off purchases:

  • Assistive technology
  • Home modifications
  • Vehicle modifications

Example: Installing grab rails for safety in the bathroom.

Step 4: Learn How Your Plan is Managed

How your plan is administered determines who pays your providers.

You can choose:

1. NDIA-managed

Only registered providers; NDIA pays them directly.

2. Plan-managed

A plan manager pays invoices on your behalf; you can use both registered and unregistered providers.

3. Self-managed

You handle everything — offers flexibility but requires more responsibility.

Tip: Ask your LAC or support coordinator which option best suits your lifestyle and confidence level.

Cooking Support at Home | Independent Living & NDIS Life Skills
Cooking Support at Home | Independent Living & NDIS Life Skills

Step 5: Connect with the Right People

Now it’s time to put the plan into action. People who can help include:

  • LAC (Local Area Coordinator): Helps you understand and use your plan.
  • Support Coordinator: If funded, they help you connect with the right services.
  • Plan Manager: Handles payments if plan-managed.
  • NDIS service providers: Therapists, support workers, community programs, etc.

Pro Tip: Speak with multiple providers before committing — choose someone who understands your goals.

Step 6: Start Using Your Funding

Once you have your team, you can begin:

  • Booking services
  • Tracking spending
  • Communicating with providers
  • Updating your LAC/support coordinator on progress

If something isn’t working, don’t worry — you can always adjust your supports.

Step 7: Track Your Progress

Your NDIS plan is designed to grow with you. Keep track of:

  • What’s working
  • What’s not
  • Reports, invoices
  • Funding balance
  • Your achievements

This will make your future plan review smoother and more accurate.

Get Ready for Your Plan Review

Your plan is reviewed every 12 months (sometimes sooner or later). During the review, you'll discuss:

  • What worked
  • What didn’t
  • New goals

Example: After finishing a skills course, you may shift your goal to finding employment.

Bonus Tips to Make the Most of Your NDIS Plan

  1. Keep your goals visible and relevant.
  2. Communicate openly with your supports.
  3. Use your budget wisely.
  4. Stay updated with NDIS changes.
  5. Ask for help — you’re not meant to do it alone.

Final Thoughts

Understanding your NDIS plan may seem challenging at first, but when broken down, it’s really about one thing: helping you live your best life.

Your plan isn’t just funding — it’s opportunity, support, and empowerment.

Take it step by step.
Ask questions.
Learn as you go.

✨ Now that your NDIS plan is approved, take a deep breath — you’ve got this. Your next chapter begins now.